Young Women of the LDS Church worldwide were encouraged Saturday to maintain high standards of personal worthiness in dress, entertainment, peer relationships and to become mothers who strengthen their homes through nurturing, love and service.

"It is so much easier to do what is right than to do what is wrong. Life is so much less complicated when you are good," said Sister Margaret D. Nadauld, general president of the Young Women's organization. She and her presidency joined the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in convening the faith's annual meeting for teenage girls in the Conference Center.

Asking young women to "hold their torches high" in standing for truth and righteousness, Sister Nadauld gave several examples of girls who have had a positive influence on their peers and their families by living gospel principles. "You do not imitate the world's standards because you know a higher standard. You know who you are, and that puts you at a real advantage."

Living worthy lives allows young women the opportunity to enter the temple as adults, she said. "Can you imagine the reverence you would feel to walk in the same halls the Savior walked? Do you picture yourself there, pure and clean, a daughter of God, prepared to receive his finest blessings?"

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the church's First Presidency, asked young women to develop four specific virtues. First, an attitude of gratitude for blessings received; second, longing for learning that includes both scriptural and secular study; third, a devotion to discipline that understands "decisions determine destiny. You can't make eternal decisions without eternal consequences."

Fourth, he asked girls to develop a willingness to work, warning that "procrastination is truly a thief of time — especially when it comes to downright hard work. I speak of the need to study diligently as you prepare for the tests of school and, indeed, the tests of life."

A loving God "hears your prayers. He extends to you his peace and his love. Stay close to him and to his son, and you will not walk alone."

President Monson asked young women to "stand ye in holy places and be not moved," a theme addressed by Sister Sharon G. Larsen, second counselor in the Young Women presidency.

She said there are some places that will never be holy and urged girls never to be found in situations where they can't feel comfortable with the activities or atmosphere around them. "A holy place is where we feel safe, secure, loved and comforted," where "angels can be our companions and support."

Often standing in holy places means young women will stand alone, she said. Yet girls have the opportunity to transform many ordinary places by their actions, through service, kindness and personal courage. "It took a kind and courageous Samaritan to change that road (to Jericho) from a haunted place to a holy place."

Young women who embrace such ideals develop three attributes that God desires them to have in preparation for becoming mothers, said Sister Carol B. Thomas, second counselor in the Young Women presidency. They are nurturing, sacrifice and prayer.

"One of the assignments given (by God) to us as girls and women in the kingdom is to love and strengthen our families," she said. "Being a mother is a great blessing, not a sacrifice."

By nurturing others, praying twice daily and sacrificing improper enticements, young women will prepare to become wives and mothers in the future. "Heavenly Father wants us to create a righteous family. Becoming a wife and mother may limit your career options, but it can be so rewarding."

E-mail: carrie@desnews.com